How to Achieve the Perfect Winged Eyeliner Look: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction:

It was a Friday night, and I was getting ready for a special dinner. As I stood in front of the mirror, there was only one thing left to do: the infamous winged eyeliner. After several attempts, shaky hands, and wiping off uneven lines, I finally nailed it—a sleek, sharp wing that made my eyes pop. The sense of accomplishment was real, but it got me thinking: why is this iconic look so hard to master?

The perfect winged eyeliner look is a beauty classic that transcends time and trends. Whether you’re going for a subtle flick or a dramatic wing, achieving it can feel daunting. But with the right technique, tools, and a bit of patience, you’ll be able to create the perfect winged eyeliner every time.

In this ultimate guide, I’ll walk you through how to achieve the perfect winged eyeliner look, breaking down each step and sharing tips that will make the process much easier. Whether you’re a makeup beginner or an experienced pro, this article has something for everyone.

What Is the Perfect Winged Eyeliner?

The perfect winged eyeliner is a makeup technique where eyeliner is applied along the upper lash line and extended outward, creating a “wing” that lifts and elongates the eyes. While the basic concept remains the same, the wing can vary in size and angle depending on the look you want to achieve. From subtle cat-eye flicks to bold, graphic wings, this versatile style flatters a wide range of eye shapes and makeup preferences.

Mastering the Basics – What You Need to Know

Before diving into techniques, it’s important to cover some basic ground. Knowing the essentials will make your winged eyeliner application smoother and more precise.

1. What Tools Do You Need?

To get started, you’ll need the right tools. Depending on your preference, you can use a variety of eyeliner formulas:

– Liquid Eyeliner: This provides a crisp, bold line with the most precision, ideal for creating sharp wings.

– Gel Eyeliner: It offers more control and can be applied with an angled brush, making it a favorite for those new to winged eyeliner.

– Pencil Eyeliner: While not as sharp as liquid or gel, pencil eyeliner can be smudged for a softer look.

Whichever tool you choose, having a steady hand is key. Pro tip: Use a small angled brush to clean up edges with concealer for that perfect sharp finish.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Achieve the Perfect Winged Eyeliner Look

Achieving the perfect winged eyeliner takes a bit of practice, but breaking it down into manageable steps can help you get there faster. Follow this guide, and you’ll be winging it like a pro in no time.

Step 1: Start with a Clean Canvas

Always begin with clean eyelids, free from any oils or residue. If you’re applying eyeshadow, do this before your eyeliner to avoid smudging your lines. Prepping with a good primer can also help your eyeliner last longer and prevent smudging.

Step 2: Draw the Line Along Your Lash Line

Begin by drawing a thin line along your upper lash line. Start from the inner corner and work your way out, staying as close to the lashes as possible. For a more subtle look, keep the line thin. If you’re going for a bolder wing, feel free to thicken the line as you move outward.

Step 3: Create the Wing

Here’s where the magic happens. To make sure both wings are even, angle the wing slightly upward, following the natural curve of your lower lash line. You can use a small piece of tape or a credit card as a guide for a sharp, clean edge.

Step 4: Connect the Wing

Once you have your wing, connect it to the line you created on your lash line. This forms a small triangle. Fill in the triangle to complete your winged look.

Step 5: Perfect and Refine

If your lines aren’t as sharp as you’d like, dip a small angled brush into concealer and clean up any mistakes. This trick can help you achieve those sharp, flawless wings.

Step 6: Set with Powder

For extra staying power, especially if you have oily lids, lightly dust translucent powder over your eyeliner to set it. This will also prevent smudging throughout the day.

Tips and Tricks for Every Eye Shape

When it comes to winged eyeliner, different eye shapes call for slightly different approaches. Let’s break it down by eye shape:

Almond Eyes:

For almond-shaped eyes, nearly any winged look will work. Focus on enhancing the natural shape by extending the wing outward.

Hooded Eyes:

For hooded eyes, the challenge is to make the wing visible when your eyes are open. To cheat the perfect winged eyeliner, keep your eyes open while applying the wing and draw it slightly higher above the fold.

Round Eyes:

For round eyes, extend the wing more horizontally to elongate the shape. Avoid a thick line near the inner corner, as this can make the eyes appear smaller.

Monolids:

Monolids can carry off bold, graphic wings beautifully. Start with a thin line and gradually build it thicker toward the outer corner.

Downturned Eyes:

To lift the eye, create a wing that angles upward rather than straight out. This helps lift the appearance of the eyes.

Solving Common Winged Eyeliner Challenges

We’ve all been there—smudged wings, uneven lines, or that dreaded raccoon-eye look by midday. Here are some common problems and how to fix them.

Why Does My Winged Eyeliner Smudge?

Smudging can be caused by excess oil on your eyelids. To avoid this, prep your eyelids with a mattifying primer and set your liner with powder. Waterproof eyeliner can also prevent smudging.

How Do You Get Even Winged Eyeliner on Both Eyes?

This is the eternal struggle! Start by marking small dots or lines at the outer corners of each eye to ensure symmetry before connecting them. Remember, practice makes perfect!

What Eye Shape Does Winged Eyeliner Suit?

Winged eyeliner can suit any eye shape, as long as it’s applied in a way that complements your features. Whether your eyes are almond-shaped, hooded, or round, there’s a wing style for you.

How to Apply Winged Eyeliner to Older Eyes?

As skin loses elasticity, applying winged eyeliner can be tricky. Use a gel liner for better control, and keep the wing smaller and lifted to avoid dragging the eye down.

How to Cheat Winged Eyeliner?

If freehand drawing feels intimidating, use a guide like tape or a winged eyeliner stamp to get even, sharp lines effortlessly.

Experimenting with Different Winged Eyeliner Styles

Now that you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to get creative! Here are some fun winged eyeliner variations you can try:

The Classic Cat Eye:

A thinner wing that slightly flicks out at the end, perfect for everyday wear.

The Bold Graphic Wing:

This look involves a thicker, more exaggerated wing, great for making a statement.

Batwing Eyeliner Trick:

Perfect for hooded eyes, this technique involves creating a small dip in the wing that follows the fold of the eyelid, ensuring that the liner is visible even when your eyes are open.

Colored Winged Eyeliner:

Why not swap black for a bold color like navy, emerald, or burgundy? It adds a fun twist to the traditional wing.